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Composite decking

Composite decking for Newcastle homes, built by a licensed carpenter

I’m Liam Sharpe, a licensed carpenter. I build composite decks that never need oiling for homes across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland.

Book a free on-site quote 0402 499 810

5.0 on Google
Licence 383930C
10+ years in the trade

Liam Sharpe and his apprentice in Sharpe shirts and tool belts — Pictured: Liam Sharpe and his apprentice

What composite decking is

Composite decking boards are made from wood fibre and plastic pressed together. They look like timber, never need oiling or sanding, and do not split or splinter. Underneath, a composite deck still sits on a frame of posts, bearers and joists, and that frame is built the same way as for a timber deck.

Composite boards are one of the decking choices in the custom decks I build across the Hunter. One recent job was an entry deck in ModWood, a composite board, which started as bare tiles at the front door and finished with posts, a roof and composite boards.

What our customers say

Google5.0 See all reviews

tom payne

3 months ago

Really happy with the work from Sharpe Building & Construction. We had a pretty tight timeline, and even when a few unexpected issues came up, they handled everything without any fuss. The job was completed by the deadline, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. Would definitely recommend them

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you, Tom! We really appreciate your kind words and are glad we could deliver the project on time despite the unexpected challenges. It was a pleasure working with you, and we are thrilled you’re happy with the result. Thank you for choosing Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your recommendation !

Dot Hodder

3 months ago

Thanks Liam. You did a beautiful job of working out what I wanted. My home feels complete with the new additions, plus the pergola. I found you by word of mouth and you certainly didn't disappoint.

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you so much, Dot! It was a pleasure working with you and bringing your ideas to life. I’m really glad you’re happy with the end result and that your home feels complete with the new additions and pergola. Thank you for trusting Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!

Renee & Brendon Harley

3 months ago

Needed some windows installed. Easily done, no fuss. Polite crew.

Response from the owner3 days ago

Thanks Renee and Brendon. Glad the new windows went in smoothly. If there is anything else you need done around the house, Sharpe Building & Constructions is happy to help across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Liam

A recent composite deck

ModWood entry deck and roof: roof and posts — **ModWood entry deck and roof**Roof and posts · Deck frame · Finished deck

ModWood entry deck and roof: deck frame — **ModWood entry deck and roof**Roof and posts · Deck frame · Finished deck

Where does composite decking work best?

Entry decks and landings
A front entry or landing that takes a lot of foot traffic and needs to look tidy all year, like the ModWood entry deck.
Backyard decks
A deck off the back door for people who want the look of timber without a yearly coat of oil.
Decks in the shade
Composite does not grow mould as easily as timber in a damp, shady spot, as long as it is cleaned now and then.
Around pools and spas
Composite boards do not splinter under bare feet. They can get warm in full sun, so a lighter colour suits a pool deck.

Composite or timber decking?

Both make a good deck. The choice comes down to upkeep, cost up front and the look you want.

Composite

No oiling, no sanding, no splinters, and the colour stays even. It costs more per metre than most timber, and it can feel warm under foot on a hot afternoon.

Timber

Merbau and other hardwoods cost less up front and have a natural grain and colour. They need a coat of decking oil about once a year to keep that colour.

Treated pine frame for a composite entry deck, before the boards

The frame under both

Composite boards need the joists closer together than most timber, so the frame is planned around the board you pick. The frame for the ModWood entry deck went in before a single board was laid.

Does a composite deck need council approval?

Composite decks follow the same NSW rules as timber decks. Many are exempt development, with no council approval, if they meet every rule on the NSW Government decks and patios page, including:

No more than 25 m² in area, and all decks, patios and pergolas on the block together no more than 15% of the house’s ground floor area (25 m² on a block up to 300 m²).
Floor no more than 1 m above the ground, and no part higher than 3 m.
Set back at least 900 mm from the side and back boundaries (5 m in rural zones), and behind the building line of the street.
On bushfire prone land within 5 m of the house, built from non-combustible materials.

Anything bigger or higher needs a complying development certificate or a development application with City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland or Cessnock council. I check this when I measure up.

What changes the price of a composite deck?

Every composite deck is priced on site. These change the cost the most:

Board range: Composite boards come in budget and premium ranges, and colours within each.
Size: The area of the deck, which sets the boards, the frame and the hidden fixings.
Frame: Joists closer together than a timber deck, so a little more frame per square metre.
Edges and steps: Fascia boards, end caps and steps finish the edges cleanly.
Access: A tight side path or a high deck adds time.

The quote is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Residential building work over $5,000 also needs a licensed contractor and a written contract under NSW law, as NSW Fair Trading sets out. Every job over that amount comes with one.

How a deck job runs

1Send the job
Use the form or call 0402 499 810. Photos of the spot help.
2Free on-site quote
I come out, measure up, go through board ranges and colours, and give you a price.
3Frame, then boards
The frame first, set out for the board you picked, then the boards and edges.
4Walk-through
We look over the finished job together.

Get a free on‑site quote.

Tell me the job and your suburb. I’ll call you to book a time, come out, measure up and give you a price before any work starts. Or call 0402 499 810.

5.0 on Google reviews
Licence 383930C, check it on the NSW register
Free on‑site quote

Questions about composite decking

Is composite decking better than timber?

It is lower upkeep: no oiling or sanding. Timber costs less up front and has a natural grain. Both last well when the frame underneath is built right.

Does composite decking get hot?

It can feel warm in full afternoon sun, and darker colours get warmer than light ones. On a sunny deck or a pool deck, a lighter colour helps.

Do you install ModWood?

Yes. My recent composite job was a ModWood entry deck with a new roof over it, built from bare tiles up.

Can composite boards go on my old deck frame?

Only if the frame is sound and the joists are close enough together for the board. I check the frame first when I come out.

How do you clean composite decking?

A sweep and a wash with soapy water now and then. It never needs oil, stain or sanding.

Where do you build composite decks?

I’m based at 4 Nightingale Crescent, Cameron Park NSW 2285 and build across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. There’s no showroom: I come to you to look at the job.

Call 0402 499 810 or email sharpeconstructions@aol.com. Licence 383930C, ABN 27 866 451 671.